Co-producing to understand what matters to young people living in youth residential rehabilitation services.

AIM: Residential group care is an important service for vulnerable young people experiencing mental health, substance abuse and/or behavioural challenges. Yet little is written about specific models and their outcomes, especially from the perspectives of the young people who use these services. This project aimed to explore what matters to young people living in a 12-month voluntary residential program for young people aged 16-25. METHODS: This participatory action research study was co-produced with Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service residents and staff as co-researchers. A steering group comprising residents, staff and researchers oversaw all research stages. 18 young people and 17 staff members participated in either individual or group interviews to discuss what was important in Youth Residential Rehabilitation Services. Data analysis drew on grounded theory techniques; subsequent codes and themes were refined in the steering group. RESULTS: We identified the 'change work' that young people were expected to do, and the milieu factors that created a supportive environment. As young people were figuring out their directions and learning new skills, they needed to be understood as the developing expert of their own lives. Real relationships with staff and other young people created a culture of belonging, safety and feeling known. These findings are metaphorically captured in the image of an egg. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights that real relationships between all Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service community members are central to creating the atmosphere of safety and belonging that enables healing and self-development to occur.